Symptoms of Acquired Hydrocephalus
that develops in older children or adults

Acquired hydrocephalus can occur in children or adults and may result from injury, infection, stroke, or a tumour. It raises intracranial pressure (ICP) and is a life–threatening condition that requires immediate attention and emergency or urgent treatment.

Some of the symptoms to look out for:

• Headaches
  Often an initial symptom, these may be worse on waking because CSF does not drain as well while you’re lying down and so accumulates overnight. Sitting up may give some relief but, as the condition progresses, headaches can become continuous.
• Other symptoms may then include:
  • Feeling sick
  • Vomiting – this may be worse in the morning
  • Sleepiness – this can progress to a coma
  • Changes in your mental state, such as confusion
  • Blurred vision or double vision
  • Difficulty walking
  • Poor coordination 
  • Behavioural changes